This can't be happening!

Disclaimer: Its obvious I do not own Naruto. Otherwise, Jiraiya would still be alive and kicking Akatsuki's ass for all eternity. Oh, and it would be Sasuke x Naruto all the way...

PD: There are no words to express how sorry I am to update this late. I am unworthy I know. I should be tarred and feathered for making you guys wait. I will not explain what happened. Let's just say I was unable to write productively due to unforeseen circumstances. I will say I am sorry... really sorry. and I hope you will find it within yourselves to forgive me. I only have 4.5 classes to go before I finish my master's degree... please bear with me... Oh, my...I brought you 39 pages of information... hope you like it. I will be back sooner than expected. Chapter 12 is named Marsh Country.
12/26/07 edit
Chapter 11: Secrets and Lies!

Dark eyes traced the rigid countenance of Konohagakure’s previous Hokages with compulsive obsession and once again wondered if indeed she was worthy to count herself among them. Irremediably she was drawn to the last face carved into the monument; that of her dearest Yondaime, Konoha’s yellow flash, beloved hero and known by few, Naruto’s father.

‘What should I do, Minato? I couldn’t protect your legacy but neither could Sarutobi-san. This is a new opportunity that can be lost in the blink of an eye… What can I do? I wonder…’ She pondered, gulping the last of her sake in one shot. Her worry was so deep she’d gone through two whole bottles of her best sake and still the long awaited buzz evaded her senses.

‘Unless...’ Signaling quickly with a sharp cry, she dispelled the genjutsu that so far had befuddled her senses. The fact that she had failed to notice the illusion for so long, was a fair testimony of her mental state. Immediately her taste buds burst with the earthy quality of her most detested drink: green tea.

“Shizune… That bitch! She knows I am distracted and preoccupied by too many things these days and used that knowledge to place a genjutsu on my sake! Why?! Because she wants me to eat healthy she says? Of all the…” her dark eyes took on a slightly deranged air as she turned with a malicious grin towards the granite countenances on the Konoha mountainside. “Hokages, you will stand witness to this promise! Mark my words for I shall be eating pork chops tonight!” She swore solemnly, full of dark intent. Somewhere else deep inside the Hokage tower a short, dark-haired kunoichi shivered with premonition while the bow-wielding pig by her side whimpered and slid the table.

A minute passed, but the blonde woman’s temper would not be contained. There was yet had no sake to be had, no pork chops to be eaten and no Shizune to gloat over.

“How dare she change my sake for green tea of all things!! I asked for Sake!! Damn it!” The innocent cup shattered against the wall leaving an interesting green pattern. Her ire increased.

“Shizune! Shizune! Come here you sake-switching bastard!” She raged, stomping furiously towards to the door. If they couldn’t be trusted to bring her some sake, she was going to go get herself some if it killed her!

‘Hokage business is pretty damned tense, thank you! What do they think I do after I am done planning and scheming for this war threat? Paint my toes? No! Go to the hairdresser? No! I stew and worry! Then we have this village’s Nin who seem to prefer going out to kill something over actually holding a hammer to help strengthen defenses! I have never seen so many sissies in a day, crying over smashed fingers and splintered toes! Had to send over medics to oversee these ‘injuries’... Then we have Suna’s lack of response and Naruto’s pregnancy… Who dared to tell him he had permission to get pregnant? The Uchiha-bastard’s gonna try to use my ass for target practice as soon as he knows what I’ve done!’ She shivered, imagining a murderous Sasuke holding on to a dying or even worse, dead and pregnant Naruto. She hugged herself, trying to control her fears from taking over her mind. If the baby died and Naruto survived it would be her beloved gaki’s hurt expression of betrayal the one she would have to deal with. That scared her more than the Uchiha threat ever could.

‘Easy Tsunade! Don’t let it all consume you! It will all work out somehow… Damn it! I need sake! Pregnancy rumors be damned! Nobody can expect me to stay sober for the next 9 months especially when I know I am not pregnant! I need a drink or I will go nuts! Shizune’s gonna wish herself into Fang when I’m done with her!’ Her killing aura preceded her and the guards standing at attention on their post before her door quivered in place, wondering for the umpteenth time that morning if this would be their last assignment.

They stared at each other, sharing the same fears without shame. After all, their Hokage was not a regular woman. She was a legendary kunoichi with inhuman strength. The lanky brown haired man gulped audibly and sighed as his body tensed a fraction. They had known Shizune-san’s gleeful expression was not a good thing.

“She’s having a hard day, it seems…” the tallest commented with a nervous smile, a quiver on his voice before the dry sound of a violently rattling doorknob trying to open itself under a powerful hand made him stiffen. Growls and muttered curses could be heard from inside as the Hokage discovered the other surprise Shizune-san’d left. The guards eyed warily the thin glowing paper seals holding the doors closed. A shiver ran down their backs as they wondered how long it would hold under the direct attacks of a determined Hokage. Shizune-san assured them the Hokage wouldn’t be able to leave until a certain visitor arrived.

“Hyuuga’s are known for their punctuality. I won’t have her sneaking around risking everything just to make him wait while she goes on a harebrained hunt; Hokage or not.” The petite female smiled sweetly as she performed the last signs of an advanced sealing jutsu over the door. Stepping back, she surveyed her handiwork with satisfaction, a devious expression at war with her guileless features.

Looking back, they saw themselves nodding stupidly like love-struck genin with their first crush. Neither man had it in them to accept before their peers they’d been willingly manipulated by a petite, pig-wielding kunoichi. Still, feelings of warm complicity spread down their chests as they remembered getting trapped by the naughty twinkle inside her eyes. The moment she turned around to include them both in the warm glow of her charming smile they were sold for life. A synchronized sigh echoed down the corridor.

The sudden presence of a tall, pale man triggered the trained reflexes of the nervous and unprepared guards, who attacked the intruder instinctively. The visitor was swift on his feet, agile but without deadly intent. Few minutes later, the two guards lay subdued and panting in a heap by his feet, the shorter one barely able to gasp an apology.

The tall man nodded the barest acknowledgement, stepping around the fallen men to stand before the violently shaking door. A dark eyebrow lifted as he took in the glowing seals and growling curses coming from inside the room. Ivory eyes examined the seals with a curious expression before stealing a glance at the cowering guards. Biting back a smile, he squared his shoulders before carefully sobering up his expression and knocking briskly on the door. Alarm. A pause. Then silence. All noise ceased as if it had never been and the last half hour had never come to pass.

‘It figures.’ He thought with a smirk.

“Jounin Hyuuga Neji, reporting for orders, Gokudaime-sama.” He stated calmly waiting for permission to step inside the room.

‘So that was the Hyuuga, no wonder!’ The guards stared dazedly at each other before allowing their eyes to roll back inside their heads. The Hyuuga stole a glance at the guards by the door and bit back a grin. It wouldn’t do to show amusement before the Hokage. Something told him the stakes were too high to start negotiations at a disadvantage and his instincts were almost never wrong.

A quick glance at the clock over the side table told her that her sake cravings would have to wait.

‘Where are the procrastinators when I need them? Why can’t he be more like Kakashi, Nara or Naruto? There are some merits to chronic lateness! Damn it! I just want some sake!’ Her inner self cried piteously as she squared her shoulders, straightened her robes, returned to the window and assumed the same distracted pose she was sporting before. It was part today’s agenda to appear distracted, voluble and frail: sake or no sake.

“Come on in.” she called softly, straining her voice to be heard through the room and in total contrast to the bellowing behemoth of only 5 minutes ago. The door opened easily, the seals vanished upon recognition of Tanuki’s leader chakra which made her curse Shizune’s ingenuity.

‘She sealed the damned door from outside to make sure I couldn’t leave until he came to see me. She’s getting way out of hand with this pregnancy thing… first it was food, then it was sake, after that came my right to freedom and gaming… next thing I know, she will have me marrying Jiraiya…’ she shuddered delicately, hugging herself while something deep inside her womb throbbed hungrily. She hissed full of anger.

‘That was not desire! For your information that’s indigestion, Tsunade! You don’t like Jiraiya that way! It would be something akin to incest! You love Dan. Remember Dan? He was the only one for you. Dan! God, I miss you! And you’d do well to remember, you are past your prime, Hokage.’ She rubbed her suddenly cold arms, trying to infuse her too cold body with heat. Her musings had distracted her to the point where she never realized the picture she presented to the young man entering the room.

‘Huh?’ His eyelids dropped guardedly to study this image. If he didn’t know better he would think she was the epitome of delicate womanhood. The blonde, frail-looking female leaning against the windowsill as if seeking warmth while staring outside was a far cry from the she-demon he’d pictured judging from the cries he heard while standing outside. He cleared his throat making her turn around to meet him.

‘She’s up to something.’ He thought as their eyes met, measuring each other in a matter of seconds. One to verify his suspicions, the other to validate her choice: both apparently satisfied with their findings.

‘Forgive me, Neji-kun. I will both test you and use you today. Your true loyalties and ingenuity will be measured before I give you this very important mission. Naruto’s very life and my own sanity are on the line if I chose wrongly.’ She sighed closing her eyes. It was time.

She sighed, allowing herself a small smile. “Please seat yourself, Hyuuga-san. There is much to discuss and too little time before your departure.” Her keen eyes studied his poise with interest. It seemed she was searching for something in him.

‘But what?’ he wondered, straightening his back.

‘He’s one cool operator. It will take more than my usual dose of charm to get what I need out of this one.’ She thought with a small grimace.

He studied the woman in front of him with impassive eyes. It was obvious she wanted something. What specifically was yet to be seen.

‘We need to hurry. I worry for Naruto and the others. He was looking rather pale during the briefing night before yesterday.’ He frowned slightly. Something inside the room was not quite right. His pale eyes studied the room left and right wondering where the problem was.

“I expect you are aware of the extent and scope of your mission before, during and after you reach Marsh Country.” She started the meeting with a no nonsense approach that contrasted sharply with her frail appearance. His eyes focused on her, forgetting his misgivings to pay close attention to her words. He nodded. He was as through with his missions as was to be expected of a Hyuuga. It was a matter of pride for him, regardless of his position within the family.

“Are there any questions regarding your mission that you want to ask? This would be the first time you man a mission of this importance, right?” she questioned softly, watching his every reaction. The Hyuuga frowned, confusion starting to tinge his opalescent orbs.

“Do you need me to clarify your mission? Yes? Then state your mission summary. Let’s hear how clearly you’ve delineated the mission’s milestones within your plans.” She asked with a bemused smile, as the Hyuuga balked. She could tell he was not used to being openly questioned. It always happened to natural-born leaders. Hopefully he would not fail this important task. They both knew this was not his first mission, he was chosen because of his previous experience. Staring into the Hokage’s eyes, he shrugged. If it pleased her to play it like this he would humor her. After all, he knew better.

“Milestones, Hokage-sama? Tanuki will follow Kitsune as backup, making contact only if they come under enemy fire. Once we reach Marsh, the team will secure the intelligence scrolls waiting from our operatives settled deep within Marsh and Fang’s borders. Once Kitsune’s diplomatic mission is over-" milky white eyes glared sharply to the left, while his body stiffened.

‘We are being spied on!’ Alarm crossed his limbs and he tensed, ready to attack. A slight shake of the Hokage’s head stopped him on his tracks. He filled the void by clearing his throat willing to appear hesitant and doubtful to outside ears. He would do anything to buy himself a few seconds to gather his thoughts.

‘I don’t understand! She is letting him into sensitive mission information! Why?’ he raged inside his mind. By the Hokage’s calm demeanor, it was obvious she’d known about their visitor ages ago if not before. Their eyes met and he understood he was to continue with his briefing as if nothing was amiss. Something was terribly wrong if the Hokage was willing to expose Kitsune to enemy reconnaissance. He frowned, the bitter flavor of betrayal piercing his soul. He couldn’t give away Tengu’s existence.

“As soon as Kitsune’s mission is over, Tanuki will compile the scrolls into one and send it back with the diplomatic envoy. It is expected that once the initial diplomatic is finished, the enemy will overlook the envoy. Tanuki will then continue to start an exploratory mission into Marsh’s neighboring countries using the border as home base to gather evidence of war threat to show our Daimyo.” He bit off angrily, glaring recklessly at his superior while spouting nonsense. Tsunade’s onyx eyes glistened with a weird mix of anger, surprise, approval and sorrow.

A pause. “Very well. It seems you do know your mission stats to my satisfaction. Still, I worry about Tanuki’s involvement with Kitsune. It is not an unknown fact that the Kyuubi brat is part of this mission and I do not want this fact to hamper the mission.” She stared coldly into his eyes. He stiffened with a soft gasp. No, she wouldn’t ask that of him, would she? Apparently he was out of luck, for her eyes confirmed his suspicions. Balling his fist where they remained hidden by the folds of his clothes, he fought to retain his control.

‘Clear your mind of doubts, Neji. This is not a moment for anger. Konoha needs you. Control yourself. You know you do not mean this.’ He chastised himself. He knew the correct answer for this particular comment. He’d heard countless people use it before. He could do it.

“Do not fear, Hokage-sama. Tanuki’s men are loyal to a fault. They will keep their ‘distaste’ under control.’ Neji’s voice took on the frigid qualities of the Hyuuga head with ease, making Tsunade shiver compulsively. Pale eyelids fluttered over shattered moonstone. He straightened his back to keep his conscience at bay. He was a Nin first and foremost. His duty was to defend Konoha and follow his leader’s order.

‘I am not betraying Naruto. I don’t mean it!’ he growled softly biting his cheek savagely to keep himself in check. The metallic tang of blood flooded his senses and calmed him somewhat. ‘Somebody’s gonna get hurt for this. I swear it on my honor as a Hyuuga!’ Hardened eyes opened and he smiled, the blood staining his lips and teeth made his expression somber and forbidding instead of welcoming. An unknown side of her responded to his feral call, making her nipples harden inside her robes. She crossed her arms distractedly.

“Hyuuga-san, I must order you to avoid allowing Naruto to fall under ‘friendly fire’. He is still useful to Konoha; it will be a shame to lose him.” She commented offhandedly, glaring covertly at the window where their spy was hidden.

“The demon spawn’s finally being useful to Konoha. We will accomplish our mission but do not expect us to go beyond that. If he dies for the good of the village, then it was nothing but fate. Don’t ask me to sacrifice good men to protect the unworthy.” He spat acidly, his eyes cursing Tsunade from the depths of his soul for pushing him to do this. Those words burned his throat like burning embers. Who would have thought using them would hurt so much.

“Since I have your promise on this important matter, let’s continue with the least important parts of Konoha’s reinforcements.” She nodded and there was a sudden flurry of activity just outside the Hokage’s window. Cries and curses were heard as the spy made his good on his escape. Neji glared at the blonde woman sitting so calmly in front of him, making an effort to remember this was his Hokage. The one that Naruto so respected. The same person who had just cornered him into badmouthing and betraying the first person to show him everything in life was not predetermined by one’s fate. Anger and resentment made his blood thunder angrily between his ears.

Tsunade studied the livid young man in front of her and sighed. Quickly performing the necessary hand signs, she placed a high security jutsu over the room. This would secure any further ‘security leaks’ from happening.

“Now, now. I understand your anger, Neji-kun. Please understand this was necessary. That was Fang latest spy. We can not let the enemy know we are aware of their surveillance efforts, as bad as they are. I knew I could count on you to protect your mission. It’s a shame about Naruto and the envoy, though.” She said with apparent resignation. The Hyuuga’s temper flared and he charged forward with a cry of rage.

“Finally, we have a reaction worthy of a breathing, living human being.” With practiced ease, Tsunade moved away from the rampaging Hyuuga, turned around and using his momentum, took hold of his arm and drove him against the desk. Hard. “We can’t have an angry Jounin attacking his Hokage now, can we?” she purred softly against his ear. The powerful muscles of his back and shoulders bunched and flexed angrily under her practiced hands, sending a forbidden thrill racing through her body.

‘Tsunade, if such a young display of temper can get a rise out of you, you really do need to get laid.’ She thought wearily. Working quickly, she had him under control with practiced ease. Her years of experience as a medic Nin were put to good use leaving him immobile but conscious enough to understand and follow her words.

She straightened with a small groan. ‘You are really getting too old for this.’ She grumbled softly before scooping him like he weighted no more than a child. Turning around, she made her way back to her seat. Carefully, she deposited the pale Nin on the Hokage chair, taking the time to straighten youthful limbs to appease her inner pervert.

‘Definitely, you need it bad.’ She grinned naughtily, eyeing the Hyuuga under a new light. ‘I wonder what he would do if he knew what I am thinking of right now. Probably run for the hills.’ She shook her head. Neji stared fixedly into her eyes, willing her to talk once and for all. She could tell he was still angry enough to try something stupid if she let him go.

“You will listen, Neji-kun. After all you have no other option.” She smiled softly. His heated glare promised many things, none of which seemed to matter to the inner wanton clamoring for attention inside her.

“I need to know what you really think of Naruto, Neji-kun; this time without spies, threats or pressure. It is vital that I know where you stand in relation to his enemies. Are you truly a friend? Are you just a fellow Nin? Will you protect him if there is need or will you turn a blind eye whenever his life’s in danger? Can I trust you?” she asked with odd urgency. This request seemed to shake his confidence and temper. Her eyes told her he was not expecting such a question.

‘How dare she question his loyalty? She was the one that had ordered him to betray Naruto! He would never do it on his own!

“There are no words to express what he means to me, so I will not try.” He replied sullenly, licking the inside of his cheek in a failed attempt to stem the blood flow.

‘You almost bit through your check, idiot!’ he flinched slightly.

“Still that does not answer my question. Will you protect him? Or are you too much of a Hyuuga to see past the demon spawn and see the person that Naruto is?” she demanded angrily, shaking him softly. Neji held onto his answer stubbornly. He did not feel obligated to answer with the truth. Not when she would betray Naruto without so much as by your leave!

“Answer me, Hyuuga of the cadet branch!” she ordered sharply. Quicksilver eyes stared into her own indicating she was to let go of his arm before he deigned to answer.

“Main, Cadet… it all lost its meaning a long time ago. My worth will be measured by my own strength and judged against my own acts. Nothing and nobody will ruin my reputation unless I will it to be so. It all means nothing if I am unable to protect my precious people.” He spat, flecks of warm blood flying to spot Tsunade’s face making her blush. She could still remember her astonishment when she realized he’d bitten his cheek to keep himself in check. Her eyes watched his cheek swell under her expert eye. He had done more damage than expected and would need healing before they left.

“That doesn’t mean you will understand and protect him regardless of who he is.” She insisted maddeningly.

“Are you still hung up about the Kyuubi? What about it? It’s just a demon inside one of my best friends! He is not the Kyuubi. Now, let me go Hokage-sama. They are waiting and thanks to you they know Kitsune is on its way to Grass. They must be protected even if I have to die to assure their safety.” He squirmed restlessly. The throbbing pain was starting to drive him to distraction. He could feel his heart beating inside his mouth. He swallowed with a grimace. ‘Yuck!’ He hated the taste of blood.

“Even Naruto?” she asked with maddening insistence.

“Particularly Naruto, damn you! To me he is worth more than a thousand Uchihas, Hatake-sans or Harunos! Regardless of what you or anybody might say! They will get to Naruto over my dead body and not even then! I bet Choji, Tenten and Lee think like I do! Now, with all due respect, Tsunade-sama. Let me go!” he shouted, pink froth coloring his pale features. Tsunade smiled and nodded. It was enough.

“Before you go, hear me well Neji-kun. Since you put Naruto’s wellbeing over your own I must place a heavy burden over your shoulders. A burden so heavy you must keep it safe even after a special scroll is shared with Hatake-san. Only he will share your burden.” She sighed, taking his head between her hands and opening his mouth carefully. A soft gasp made her realize the extent of the damage done to the tissue of his inner cheek.

“Neji-kun… I never pegged you for a masochist!” she teased him softly before her hand glowed green to heal it over. He stiffened, feeling the cooling effects of healing chakra penetrate his skin. His jaw started to close reflexively.

“Ah. Don’t you think about biting me dear. You want to reach Marsh with your denture intact, ne?” she smiled deviously and Neji wisely chose to relax. After healing the worst of the injury, she sat back on her heels and stared deep into his silver eyes.

“Do you really want this burden?” she asked softly. He had to choose for himself. She could not make the choice for him.

“If it means keeping Naruto safe, by all means!” he frowned with a bewildered expression.

“Neji-kun, we both know Naruto is special and Konoha’s number-one surprise ninja, right?” she started, shrugging helplessly with a sigh of defeat. He nodded not understanding where this was going.

“Why do I have the impression I am not going to like this after all?” he wondered out loud.

“Now is not the time to wonder. Heed me well because I will not repeat myself.” She paused and started again. ”Well, it seems he made it again and surprised us all again. Only this time, it’s not about chakra or jutsus. It’s about children.” She paused trying to regroup her thoughts.

“Children?” he repeated stupidly.

“Children. Or should I say child? We still don’t know the exact mechanics, but its Naruto’s and apparently Sasuke’s child. Neji-kun, when Naruto left Konoha yesterday, he was almost into his third month of pregnancy.” She closed her eyes, unwilling to see the rejection and disgust on one of Naruto’s closest friends.

“Pregnant? What the fuck? Oh man! No wonder he was so pale the other day… but why… the how is patently obvious… it was time they accepted each other. Sasuke man… you sure are potent… Making another male pregnant… fuck! Talk about unexpected fate! The tweet’s the only bastard who’s able to get knocked up and by the Uchiha bastard no less! Konoha female population’s gonna go on a feeding frenzy over that one! God, that’s rich!” he was laughing hysterically by this point, offering the Hokage an unexpected insight into the mind of the otherwise silent Nin. Tsunade had time to wonder if she’d damaged his psyche.

“Are you ok?” she asked wondering if she was reading him correctly. It seemed he was not reacting negatively. There was more to this Hyuuga than previously expected. Another shiver ran through her. ‘I need sake!’ He had incredible appeal sitting on her chair while he laughed with abandon. His dark hair lay in magnificent disarray while tears streamed unencumbered down his cheeks.

“Never better.” He smirked with satisfaction, thinking of the ribbing both Naruto and Sasuke would get for this new development as soon as they were safe.

“A word of caution. Neither is to know about this pregnancy. Only you and Kakashi will know, nobody else. I am keeping this from the council too because I want to keep the danger level to a minimum. We must do all we can to assure the health of both mother and child. The moment you feel something is amiss with him or the baby, you run back to Konoha with Naruto and Sasuke in tow. It is important to keep them together. I am sure Kyuubi is involved somehow, although I am not sure how. Kakashi will have ultimate responsibility over them both. I am writing his instructions on a scroll you will deliver and have him destroy as soon as he commits it to memory. Nothing can distract them from the mission. There is too much at stake to a… um… suspend the mission. Understood?” she stared into pale eyes, allowing her eyes to communicate her fears instead of using words. She was loath to use them but sacrifices had to be made for Konoha’s wellbeing. Her position as Hokage impeded her direct intervention and this was the best she could do. His expression hardened with the dawning of understanding. He nodded, face full of resolve. She relaxed. She had chosen well.

“Understood. I will protect Naruto and his child with my life. Tanuki will help Kitsune complete its mission and have them return home safe and sound. That is my promise to you.” He swore easily, for it was a promise he fully intended to keep.

-Fang Country Palace-

Incense sticks burned thickly inside the dimly lit room though the cloying scent did nothing to mask the stench of fear that swamped the room and its occupants. The lanterns acrid smoke stung the eyes and made it hard to breathe while submerging the area in flickering shadows. A lone warrior kneeled warily, bowing deeply towards the one sitting behind the partition.

Through the corner of his uncovered left eye, he gauged the myriad expressions and rigid stances of the men sitting around him while he waited with apparent calm for permission to proceed with his report.

He took immense pains to keep his body language meek and humble, respectful and servile even though it stung his pride to serve one such as the one he was forced to call master, empowered as he was through bloodshed. But then, times changed swiftly and only those who adapted survived. It was not through rash action or foolish pride that he had been able to preserve limb and life for himself and his men. Still, sometimes he wondered if this life he now lived was worth sacrificing his honor for.

‘It wont do to think about the past now. Concentrate on that report, you fool! Dead men tell no tales!’ Once again he focused his attention on the man before him, waiting. Years of rigid self-control assured that his brief lack of attention would go unnoticed. Anyone who dared to stand against this man’s will was swiftly cut down; be it man, woman or child. Entire clans disappeared upon his word. Ronin, mercenaries, hoodlums filled the once peaceful country to follow the Dictator’s rule. He was ruthless in his quest for power and as it stood nothing would steer him away down this path towards world domination.

‘Eventually you will be cut down, my friend. For you were loyal to the previous master. These cowards will soon start wagging their tongues.’ He frowned slightly, still waiting.
According to his spies, Fire country and Konoha started what appear to be war preparations a week ago. This would not please his new master for he used the coward’s way in when invading a country. A prepared country meant they were aware of what was happening in Fang and its neighboring countries, something that they had taken pains to keep under wraps. He stole a glance at a cowering fool hiding near the back of the room. To hide the fact that Konoha had sent an envoy to Marsh Country almost 4 days ago was suicide! It would certainly spell death for him and those under him if he didn’t play this game correctly.

The shadow behind the partition shifted and the signal for him to start his report was given with a lazy flick of a silken fan.

“Master, we just received reports from our intelligence in Konoha that Fire Country and Konoha started war preparations almost four days ago. They also inform that a diplomatic envoy was sent during this time to Marsh Country. It seems Konoha’s leader is renewing old pacts and attempting to make new treaties even as we speak, Sawada-dono.” He hurried to finish presenting the most pressing facts and downplaying the envoy situation as best as he could.

“They are strengthening their defenses in preparation for an attack. Our informant talks about a 4-man cell: Hatake, Kakashi, Uchiha, Sasuke, Uzumaki, Naruto and Haruno, Sakura. At this time, it is not clear if there are any other envoys on their way to contact neighboring countries but we should expect it given their diplomatic ties with Suna.” He finished, tensing as he waited for his master’s wrath.

“Pray tell, why are we talking about a diplomatic envoy towards Marsh? There shouldn’t be one. Hasn’t it been dealt with?” the daimyo asked with deceptive calm from behind his ornate indigo fan. The warrior trembled, damning his cowardly officials and their fear of reprisal for not informing him of this situation on time.

“I beg your pardon, master. I dispatched our best men to deal with this matter yesterday afternoon, Sawada-dono. They should intercept Konoha’s envoy in 1-2 days given our sources. They have sent reinforcements to secure the arrival of this envoy, but inner struggle should keep them from meeting. The two groups will be cut down separately, for the reinforcements will not willingly sacrifice themselves for the envoy. I swear on my life they won’t make it into Marsh, Sawada-dono.” He replied, bowing even deeper and deciding at that moment to send reinforcements just in case his best men proved not to be good enough against Konoha’s best.

“See that you do, Iwaki-san. See that you do. We are counting on that. I want a full report of this incident as soon as the matter is seen to. That envoy must not reach March Country or your life will be forfeited. Is that clear?” He stated calmly with the snap of his fan to signal the end of the audience. Iwaki bowed one last time and retreated with a heavy heart. This was not an empty threat. He felt sweat run down his back as it finally entered his mind the kind of monster he was serving.

‘If Konoha’s Nin are half as good as I was led to believe by Murakami-dono, then I’m as good as dead.’ Curiously, he felt no fear; only numbness and bone-weary exhaustion, the kind that settles deep into your bones after a long day on the battlefield. With yet another deep bow, he left the dark room, knowing deep inside that these were his last days.

-Somewhere in the territory between Konoha and Marsh-

“How many times will I tell you I am fine, damn it! This is just a stomach bug!” The blond haired male screeched angrily as he used a bit of water to wash his mouth to clean the nasty aftertaste of what had become his morning ritual. The observing figures tittered silently, amused at the blonde’s expense.

“Urusai! I don’t care if Sakura said this would settle my stomach. It makes me sleepy and I am not letting you lug me around like a sack of potatoes just so that I can stop a stomach bug! I won’t die if I vomit once or twice! I am eating more than enough already, damn it!” The blond stalked away in high dudgeon, the angry color of his cheeks signaling his temper louder than his words ever could.

So far, the men watching this particular group had garnered a few interesting pieces of intelligence. First of all, the blond was loud and reckless, always unwittingly drawing attention to himself in his efforts to overcome his badly concealed illness. Second, the dark haired male that was currently following the blonde closely, arguing softly and making the blond scream angrily was ostensibly the blonde’s lover. Third, the white-haired male always reading a book was sharper than he appeared. The pair continued to fight loudly as the men shortened the distance under the vigilant eye of their commanders. They’d had almost given up their position the day before thanks to discounting him out of hand. Fourth, the pink-haired beauty was strong, had a temper but cared a lot for the blond menace. Still there was nothing to signal they were dangerous targets, other than their unusual awareness and stealth. If they had not heard the blonde scream in a fit of rage the other day, their scout would never have been able to pinpoint their position.

The group had just finished a Spartan breakfast a few minutes ago, when the blonde had suddenly turned green around the gills and scampered towards the bushes as was his apparent custom gauging by his companions lack of reaction even if the raven protested. The pink haired beauty continued packing while the white haired man sat reading on a nearby stump. The men shared grimaces of distaste. There was no honor in killing babes such as these. Surely Iwaki-san had surely ordered overkill when he sent 40 men to deal with three kids and their sensei but orders were orders and it was better to kill than to get killed for disobeying. Signaling quickly to the archers to get their poisoned arrows ready, the attack commenced.

“Enough! I am not talking anymore!” Naruto turned around and promptly stumbled over a tree root. A hard body wrapped itself protectively around him, rolling them under the vicinity of the same bush he’d puked over a few minutes ago. “Damn it Sas-" he raged with disgust as a pale hand flew to cover his mouth, making his eyes grow large.

“Hush!” Sasuke’s strangely tight voice whispered against his ear. “We are under attack.”

‘What the hell?’ his heart thundered crazily inside his chest, adrenaline rushed over him in making him alternately cold and hot. His heightened sense of smell chose that moment to start working overtime, allowing him to pick up strange scents all over the place. His recently regurgitated breakfast was prominent in his nose, but there was also the scent of many over the rush of the hunt. Azure eyes met onyx for a second communicating their findings. Both were worried about Kakashi and Sakura but they both knew the drill when faced with an unknown number of opponents and missing teammates.

‘I will scout. You stay.’ Sasuke signaled using the well known silent code for those instances when voice could not be safely used. His pride rebelled against being left behind, even if he knew he would be a hindrance if he went along. ‘Stay. That’s an order! Get under cover.’ There was a brief battle of wills but the winner was decided at the beginning. Sasuke outranked him and he knew it. That didn’t mean he had to like it, damn it! The raven disappeared soundlessly, leaving him to locate their companions.

The blonde grumbled under his breath as he dragged himself towards a thicker, shadow-filled area of the woods. He hated being ordered away from a fight. Still, it was better if for once he obeyed.

‘So Naruto, it’s either under the tree with the grubs or on top of it with the birds… The birds it is.’ He thought eyeing the grubby depths with distaste. With a shudder of disgust he turned cerulean eyes resolutely upwards. He didn’t know how but he had to make it to higher ground. Maybe he could help. He stood, eyeing his surroundings warily, his mind conjuring one of the many ghost stories Kiba had cooked up during missions that had such an environment for a setting. He bit his lip to repress a shiver. The muted clang of weapons warring just outside the clearing sounded too remote even to his dampened senses.

‘I should get going.’ He thought. A twig snapped to his right and his limbs were suddenly jolted to life. He was surrounded! He turned to flee but the deadly song of five arrows pierced the air a foot or so in front of him, curtailing his flight in that direction. Perspiration beaded his upper lip as he gauged his enemies’ position. There were at least 10 men posted in a loose circle around him, five of whom were archers.

‘How the hell was it possible for me not to have noticed? They are samurai and ronin, not ninja!’ he wondered stupidly.

“What have we here? A lost blond child running away from battle, it seems. We can’t have that now, can we?” A lumbering brute came behind a tree and smiled malignantly, signaling lazily to his archers to shoot warning arrows even closer to him.

“Screw you! I am not running away! I was ordered away!” he raged before paling. He had given away information to the enemy.

An eyebrow rose. “Oh, so you are that important, little ninja. Maybe you will be a great bargaining chip to be used against Konoha, even if your lover dies today.” He taunted archly, making Naruto see red.

“He will never fall to the likes of you! He is a Konoha Nin and an Uchiha! He is a better warrior than any of you. It will take more than 30 men to do him in!” he replied heatedly. The leader stiffened.

“How do you know the number of our men?” Naruto gulped and looked away. “I asked, how you know that?” barked, signaling his men. “Take him.” Naruto fell into a fighting stance. He would not be taken alive. That much he knew. Taking out a pair of kunai, he waited for them.

“Be careful with the knives, little rabbit. You could cut yourself.” Another ronin to his left taunted. This one was a redhead like Gaara.

“Screw you! If your men don’t stop trying to get more than a cut.” He warned before letting a kunai fly towards a man that had slunk too close for comfort. The man yelped and lay suddenly still. The men stared at their fallen comrade with incredulous stupefaction. For the little kitten had suddenly sprouted fangs. A battle cry signaled the start of the barrage of arrows and lances thrown in his direction, hungry for a taste of his flesh.

“Kawarimi no jutsu!” he muttered. Slow milliseconds passed as his body was replaced by a log making them believe for a few seconds they had nailed him. His chakra reserves were perilously strained as it was and somehow he knew it was dangerous to push them too hard. He ran as fast as his legs would carry him, praying for time and a good hiding place.

‘I shouldn’t have come! Damn it! It’s true, I am a liability! How could I have been so stupid!’ he raged against his own stupidity as he stumbled towards the sun lit clearing. He was definitely safer there than in the shadows. His ragged breathing and pounding heart canceled his hearing. A painful cramp hit his side drawing from him a gasp of pain.

‘Not now! Come on! Kyuubi damn it! Do something!’ he raged. He had to make it outside where he could now see Sasuke and Kakashi fighting against the other men; they would know what to do. Then he could rest.

“You have been highly amusing but your race ends here, little blonde rabbit.” The mocking voice of the redhead reached his cottony ears as he stopped and whirled, kunai in hand. He could feel their disdainful laughter as they hunted him down. They knew he would not be allowed to reach the dubious safety of his friends before they cut him off. It was either die fighting or die running. He chose to fight.

‘Forgive me Sasuke! I should have… damn it! Naruto! You are not going to die crying like a scared little girl! You were going to be Hokage! At least die like one!’ Panting great gulps of air, he straightened as best as he could to face his sneering attackers who approached him lazily.

‘Com’on… com’ closer you bastards! You wanna take me down? You’re not gonna leave unharmed! That’s my way o’ th’ ninja!’ Concentrating all his chakra reserves into one final burst, he waited until they were within striking distance.

He growled savagely as his hand started to glow increasingly brighter as he fed it his last scraps of chakra. The men before him paused in their approach and he laughed cockily.

“What? Finally afraid of littl’ ol’ me? Why don’t you come on and have a taste of the little blonde rabbit? You big, bad wolf wannabes!” he stated with a provoking grin, willing them to hurry up. He would not be able to hold the Rasengan for much longer. Somewhere deep inside, he felt Kyuubi stirring back into consciousness.

‘Finally! Wake up, you stupid fox! For once be the one to watch as I take our enemies! Without your help!’ he exulted with a fierce battle cry as he ran, images of his time with Sasuke flooding his inner eye.

“Hold on!” A hand from out of nowhere grabbed his wrist with an iron hold, lifting it up and away from its intended target while another hand pressed into the pressure points located on his neck. His body slumped forward hanging from the arm still lifted into the air as his chakra defused and was reabsorbed by his chakra-deficient body.

‘No! No! Sasuke! It can’t be over! Not like this!’ his unfocused eyes registered movement behind the shadows before sliding into unconsciousness. ‘I have not asked for his forgiveness yet.’

**********************************

Evil cliffie from hell... I know... gomen! and the next chapter will have nothing to do with it... promise to make it shorter so you won't have to wait to know what happens... ok? What do you think about Tsunade's obvious perverseness... She was acting up this time...hentai!

Nekochannya:*dries sweat from her brow* Finally... an update!

Naruto: I was wondering where the hell were you... The baby was born ages ago and you are still in this part? Sasuke!

Sasuke: Hn. She will write. There are more kids on the way.

Naruto: More kids on the... what are you talking about? I still haven't- *a muffled moans and heated scuffle can be heard* Sasuke! Wait! Wait! Gods!

Sasuke: *Smirk* Write about this. Iruka-san's watching the other kid. *The Uchiha drags the willing blonde towards their room where he proceed to ravish his blonde into willing submission.*

Nekochannya: But... I am only on the 3rd month... Sasuke-san! Um...

*moans and sighs* Harder Sasuke bastard!

Uh... forget it! Ok, guys... here is the chapter, I hope you like it.